Fluid container with integrated straw

ABSTRACT

A portable fluid container with an integrated straw. The container includes a vessel for containing a beverage; a straw having a lumen through which the beverage may flow; an orifice in the vessel configured to accept the straw such that an interior portion of the straw is inside the vessel and an exterior portion of the straw is outside of the vessel; and fastening means for removably maintaining the exterior portion of the straw in a folded position along a first fold to prevent the flow of the beverage through the lumen of the straw. The beverage may flow through the lumen of the straw when the exterior portion of the straw is unfolded along the first fold.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to a portable packaging system for transporting fluid, and more specifically to a beverage pouch or box with an integrated drinking straw.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beverage containers, such as drink pouches or boxes, package beverages in a convenient and portable fashion. Various permutations of such devices are revealed in the prior art including U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,614 to Xuan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,583 to Wild, U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,368 to Kaufman, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,782 to Arkins. In order to access the contents of the package, a straw must be inserted into the package through a small, pre-defined location. These straws which are often affixed to the exterior of the container may be detached and lost, become soiled, or otherwise damaged rendering them unusable. Moreover, the user must apply sufficient force with the straw and at the correct orientation and location to puncture the packaging. Young children, in particular, may not have the strength or dexterity to properly position the straw to access the fluid within the package. Since the straws are used to puncture the container, they must have sufficient rigidity and sharpness for this task. These straws may cause injury if misdirected or mishandled.

There is also the potential for leakage and spillage if the opening created by the straw is larger than the diameter of the straw. With the necessary pressure applied to the pouch for straw insertion, upon entry, fluid may be forcibly expelled resulting in wastage and mess. If the straw is removed before the fluid contents are fully consumed, fluid may also inadvertently exit the perforation site.

In an effort to eliminate an externally attached straw, other flexible pouches with tear-off tops or free-floating straws have been described in the art as exemplified by Yeager in U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,617; Stefandl in U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,144 B2; and Murray in U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,490 B2. These all require dexterity and strength to open these packages as well as locate and manipulate the straws before the contents can be consumed.

In activities such as running or jogging, the current fluid pouches are inconvenient as it is difficult to manipulate a pouch and separate straw while in active motion. Wearable water bladders described by Forsman in U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,998 B2 and Skillern in U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,533 B2 and water bottles in a holster are not optimal given the weight of the device in addition to the fluid transported. Moreover, the jostling of the fluid within partially-filled containers can be distracting to the runner and their constant movement may result in chafing and discomfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, to the present invention advantageously provides better access the contents of the fluid container, such as a drink pouch, providing a more convenient, self-contained portable fluid delivery system.

In one aspect of the present invention, a straw is integrated into the pouch construction in order to provide a means of fluid egress. A segment of the straw internal to the pouch provides access to fluid within the pouch. This is continuous with an external straw segment that communicates the fluid to the recipient. The integrated straw eliminates the need for a separately affixed straw and manipulation of the straw to access the contents of the pouch. Since the straw is continuous with the pouch wall, no seepage or spillage of fluid can occur at this location.

Another aspect of the present invention is a closure method via one or more folds in the straw as it exits the pouch. These folds are secured in place with adhesive tape, glue, or the like. To access the contents of the pouch, the straw is straightened permitting the lumen occluded at the fold to become open and thus permitting fluid to exit the pouch. This provides a simpler and more reliable method of accessing the fluid within the pouch.

In another aspect of the present invention, evacuation of air from within the pouch eliminates fluid movement and jostling. The collapsible nature of the pouch sidewalls also decreases the possibility that air will reflux into the package.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the pouch can be designed and shaped in various configurations to be most convenient and advantageous to the activity in which it is being used. The construction material is lightweight allowing for a maximal fluid-carrying capacity and minimal packaging weight.

Further aspects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a representative pouch with a straw exiting through the front face and the straw fold secured with an adhesive strip.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the pouch depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the open configuration with the straw extended.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the exit of the straw from the wall of the pouch.

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of an alternate pouch with the straw exiting the top of the pouch.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the front and back walls of the pouch encircling the straw.

FIG. 5A-5C show the straightening of the straw to permit fluid flow.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a multiple fold configuration of the straw.

FIG. 7A-7D show alternative embodiments to maintain folds in the straw.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show front perspective views of modifications to the pouch packaging to improve handling.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a drink box with the straw configured on the front face.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the open position of the straw in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment with the straw exiting the top face of the box.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   100 Pouch containing fluid -   101 Top edge of pouch -   102 Bottom crease or fold in pouch -   103 Front pouch wall -   104 Back pouch wall -   105 Opening in front pouch wall for straw exit -   113 Top edge of front pouch wall -   114 Top edge of back pouch wall -   120 Straw -   121 Straw segment contained inside pouch -   122 Portion of straw at exiting the pouch wall -   123 Exterior straw segment before first fold -   124 Exterior straw segment for contact with mouth of user -   125 Location of first fold in straw -   126 End of straw -   127 Portion of straw with pouch edges sealed around -   128 Straw lumen -   133 Exterior straw segment before first fold -   134 Straw segment between first and second folds -   135 Location of first fold in straw -   136 Location of second fold in straw -   137 Exterior straw segment for contact with mouth of user -   141 Adhesive tape to maintain straw positioning -   142 Adhesive substance between straw segments -   143 Encircling sleeve -   144 Rubber band or string surrounding straw segments -   145 Protective film or sheet covering folded straw and end of straw -   151 Protective film over end of straw -   161 Clip or other mounting hardware on back pouch wall -   162 Holes or other shapes for holding pouch -   163 Handhold attachments -   200 Drink box with straw mounted on face -   201 Front face of box -   205 Opening in front container wall for straw exit -   220 Straw -   221 Straw segment contained inside pouch -   225 Location of first fold in straw -   241 Adhesive tape to maintain straw positioning -   251 Protective film over end of straw -   300 Drink box with straw mounted on face -   302 Top face of box -   320 Straw -   322 Portion of straw at exiting the pouch wall -   325 Location of first fold in straw -   326 End of straw

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFRRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1 and 2 describe the preferred embodiment of this invention. The preferred type of fluid container is a beverage pouch 100 comprised of two sheets of fluid-resistant film or sheeting that can be heat sealed at the edges to create a watertight barrier. The front 103 and back 104 walls of the pouch 100 may be imprinted or decorated with various insignia or signage identifying the contents of the pouch 100. The top 101 may be fashioned to be thicker for ease of handling. The pouch 100 can be fashioned in different geometries such as rectangular, triangular, or circular. In one embodiment, the pouch 100 may have pleats 102 on the bottom permitting it to remain upright when placed on a table or other similar surface. Pouch 100 is constructed in the same manner as a standard drink pouch, the construction of which is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The pouch 100 is formed of material of sufficient strength to resist puncture or breakage with normal carrying and handling activity. The pouch material is also compliant so that as the fluid is withdrawn, the pouch walls collapse and no dead space develops within the pouch.

Upon filling of the pouch, air may be evacuated from the pouch to reduce the jostling and movement of fluid within the container.

Pouch 100 includes a straw that is integrated into the pouch 100. The straw 120 is composed of contiguous segments 121, 123, and 124. Segment 121 of the straw 120 is internal to the pouch 100 and is of sufficient length to reach the bottom of the pouch so that all the fluid can be withdrawn from the container when held in an upright position. The open end 126 of the straw 120 is where the user will withdraw the fluid contents.

At or near the top of the pouch 100, the straw 120 exits the pouch 100. This can be accomplished through an opening 105 in the pouch wall 103 as shown in FIG. 3A. In the enlarged depiction of the exit site in FIG. 3B, the space between the pouch opening 105 and the adjacent straw 120 is suitably reinforced and sealed by seal 122 to prevent leakage of fluid around the exterior of the straw 120. Seal 122 is also of sufficient strength to prevent removal of the straw 120 from the pouch 100. The seal can be accomplished with a ring of adhesive material surrounding the straw 120 at the exit site 105 in pouch wall 103. Alternatively, a molded plastic exit port can be affixed to side wall 103 to which the straw segments 121 and 123 are attached.

An alternate configuration of pouch 100 is depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Straw 120 exits at hole 115 formed at the apex of the pouch 100 formed by the intersection of the top edges 113 and 114 of the front wall 103 and back wall 104, respectively, of the pouch 100. Hole 115 is sealed around the straw 120 by seal 122, again preventing egress of fluid except through the straw lumen 128.

The straw 120, when folded into the closed position as shown in FIG. 5A, has a fold 125 which occludes the straw lumen 128 preventing the movement of fluid or air into or out of the sealed pouch 100. Straw segment 123 is maintained in close proximity to straw segment 124 to create fold 125. FIG. 5A has an arrow depicting the direction of movement of straw segment 124 with respect to segment 123 resulting in the straightening of the straw in order to access the contents of the pouch 100. Adhesive tape 141 keeps straw segments 123 and 124 in close proximity thus maintaining fold 125. As the straw segment 124 is lifted away from the pouch wall 103, the adhesive tape 141 is disrupted and straw segments 123 and 124 can move away from each other as depicted in FIG. 5B. Finally, in the open position shown in FIG. 5C, the occlusion of the straw 120 by fold 125 is eliminated and fluid may pass through the lumen 128 of the straw 120.

The straw 120 is comprised of material of sufficient strength to withstand the folding without rupture or breakage of the sidewall or a permanent bend. The diameter and elasticity of the straw 120 can be modified to achieve sufficient occlusion when the straw 120 is folded and sufficient resilience so that when the straw 120 is extended as shown in FIG. 5C, fluid is permitted to flow out of the container.

Another alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, utilizes additional folds in straw 120. Two folds (135 and 136) between straw segments 133, 134, and 137 provide additional security against the egress of fluid.

As depicted in FIG. 1, a piece of adhesive tape 141 may be placed across the folded straw segments at or near the fold 125 for securing the straw to the package. Other methods can be utilized to maintain the folded state of the straw as shown in FIG. 7. As depicted in FIG. 7A, an adhesive substance 142 can be positioned between the straw segments to maintain the folded state. Also, a paper or plastic sleeve 143 (FIG. 7B) or rubber band 144 (FIG. 7C) may encircle both straw segments adjacent to the fold 125. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7D, a plastic sheet 145 may cover both the folded straw and the end of the straw protecting both items. Other mechanisms may also be employed to maintain proximity of straw segments 123 and 124.

Returning to FIG. 1, the location of the fold 125 in the straw is immaterial so long as it prevents fluid movement into or out of the pouch. The preferred location is at or near the exit 105 of the straw from the pouch 100.

A protective plastic sleeve or covering 151 can be included to protect the exposed external end 126 of the straw 120 from soilage. A pocket or slot within the wall of the pouch 100 may also be constructed to accomplish the same.

For ease of carrying and portability, the pouch 100 may have external modifications examples of which are demonstrated in FIG. 8 that permit attachment of the pouch 100 to different items of clothing or carrying systems. A spring-loaded clip or buckle 161 on the back wall 104 can facilitate the attachment to a belt or pants pocket. Also, strategically placed holes or openings 162 in the pouch 100 may allow connection to carrying straps or loops. Alternatively shown in FIG. 9, handles or straps 163 can be attached to the pouch 100, for example, allowing easier holding and manipulation by a child.

The straw configuration and closure methods can be similarly applied to other forms of packaging including drink boxes or the like. The key elements of the folded straw preventing fluid egress are similar to those outlined above with a drink pouch.

FIG. 10 illustrates the preferred embodiment of a drink box 200 with an integrated straw 220 exiting from the front face 201 of the box 200. Construction of drink box type beverage containers is well known to the art. Typically, drink boxes are manufactured from laminated cardboard configured to hold beverages or other foodstuffs. Straw 220 is integrated into the package 200 to provide access to its contents.

Straw segment 221 is internal to the box 200 and is of sufficient length to permit fluid to be withdrawn from the bottom of the box 200. Straw 220 exits at an opening 205 in the front face 201 and has a fold 225 which prevents movement of fluid into or out of the box 200. Adhesive tape 241 maintains the fold 225 in the straw 220. An optional protective sleeve 251 reduces potential contamination of the exposed end of the straw 220.

When the adhesive tape 241 is disrupted and the straw straightened as in FIG. 11, fluid flows through the straw 220.

FIG. 12 demonstrates another embodiment incorporating a plurality of straw folds and exit of the straw 320 from the top 302 of the box 300. One fold 322 is formed at the straw's exit 322 from the box 300, and another fold 325 is formed proximal to the drinking end 326.

Accordingly, the straw integrated in the beverage container, such as a pouch or box, provides convenient fluid storage and easy access to its contents. When the straw is folded, the straw lumen is occluded and the fluid contents are securely contained within the packaging. Any of a number of methods can assist in maintenance of the straw fold. When the straw is straightened, the fold is opened and fluid can flow freely out of the container. Furthermore, this packaging closure and access method permits closure of a number of container configurations from pouches to drink boxes; allows placement of the exit site of the straw in various locations; permits the straw fold to be located on various points along the exterior portion of the straw; and provides easy opening of the container without the need for a separately affixed straw, positioning of the straw, and puncturing of the container.

Fluids (i.e., non-solids) other than beverages may be stored in pouch 100, box 200 or box 300. Examples of other fluids include cooking oil, motor oil, paint, and shampoo. Additionally, the container can be configured with straws of different thicknesses, colors, or shapes. Furthermore, the fold can be secured to the front face, folded over the top edge of the package, or the like.

From the above description, it will be apparent that the invention disclosed herein provides a novel and advantageous fluid container with an integrated straw. The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary methods and embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion that various changes, modifications and variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims. 

1. A portable fluid container comprising: a vessel for containing a fluid; a straw having a lumen through which the fluid may flow; an orifice in the vessel configured to accept the straw, wherein an interior portion of the straw is inside the vessel and an exterior portion of the straw is outside of the vessel; and fastening means for removably maintaining the exterior portion of the straw in a folded position along a first fold to prevent the flow of the fluid through the lumen of the straw; wherein the fluid may flow through the lumen of the straw when the exterior portion of the straw is unfolded along the first fold;
 2. The portable fluid container recited in claim 1, further comprising: a seal between the orifice and the straw; wherein the seal prevents the fluid from leaking out of the orifice between the vessel and the straw.
 3. The portable fluid container recited in claim 1, further comprising: a second fold along the exterior portion of the straw; wherein the second fold further prevents flow of the fluid when the fastening means removably maintains the straw in the folded position.
 4. The portable fluid container recited in claim 1, further comprising: a sanitary cover removably fixed to the vessel, wherein an open end of the exterior portion of the straw is between the cover and the vessel.
 5. The portable fluid container recited in claim 1, wherein the vessel is a beverage box.
 6. The portable fluid container recited in claim 1, wherein the vessel is a beverage pouch.
 7. The portable fluid container recited in claim 1, wherein the fastening means is selected from the group consisting of: an adhesive tape, sleeve, rubber band, and plastic sheet.
 8. An improved beverage box having walls for containing a beverage and orifice configured to accept a straw, the improvement comprising: a straw having a lumen through which the beverage may flow, wherein the straw is fixed within the orifice such that an interior portion of the straw is inside the beverage box and an exterior portion of the straw is outside of the beverage box; and fastening means for removably maintaining the exterior portion of the straw in a folded position along a first fold to prevent the flow of the beverage through the lumen of the straw; wherein the beverage may flow through the lumen of the straw when the exterior portion of the straw is unfolded along the first fold;
 9. The improved beverage box recited in claim 8, further comprising: a seal between the orifice and the straw; wherein the seal prevents the beverage from leaking out of the orifice between the vessel and the straw.
 10. The improved beverage box recited in claim 8, further comprising: a second fold along the exterior portion of the straw; wherein the second fold further prevents flow of the beverage when the fastening means removably maintains the straw in the folded position.
 11. The improved beverage box recited in claim 8, further comprising: a sanitary cover removably fixed to the vessel wherein an open end of the exterior portion of the straw is between the cover and the beverage box.
 12. The portable beverage container recited in claim 8, wherein the fastening means is selected from the group consisting of: an adhesive tape, sleeve, rubber band, and plastic sheet.
 13. An improved beverage pouch having walls for containing a beverage and orifice configured to accept a straw, the improvement comprising: a straw having a lumen through which the beverage may flow, wherein the straw is fixed within the orifice such that an interior portion of the straw is inside the beverage pouch and an exterior portion of the straw is outside of the beverage pouch; and fastening means for removably maintaining the exterior portion of the straw in a folded position along a first fold to prevent the flow of the beverage through the lumen of the straw; wherein the beverage may flow through the lumen of the straw when the exterior portion of the straw is unfolded along the first fold.
 14. The improved beverage pouch recited in claim 13, further comprising: a seal between the orifice and the straw; wherein the seal prevents the beverage from leaking out of the orifice between the vessel and the straw.
 15. The improved beverage pouch recited in claim 13, further comprising: a second fold along the exterior portion of the straw; wherein the second fold further prevents flow of the beverage when the fastening means removably maintains the straw in the folded position.
 16. The improved beverage pouch recited in claim 13, further comprising: a sanitary cover removably fixed to the vessel, wherein an open end of the exterior portion of the straw is between the cover and the beverage pouch.
 17. The portable beverage container recited in claim 13, wherein the fastening means is selected from the group consisting of: an adhesive tape, sleeve, rubber band, and plastic sheet. 